Application method for universal serial bus file transfer cable

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an application method for universal serial bus (USB) file transfer cable. When USB file transfer cable is connected between two computers loaded with operating such systems as Window, Mac, Linux, etc., that support Mass Storage Class standard while the USB file transfer cable also supports Mass Storage Class, either computer can access system information provided in the USB file transfer cable. Since the application program is stored in the USB file transfer cable and the USB file transfer cable is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such as a floppy disc drive, a hard disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc., the USB file transfer cable in the present invention is capable of carrying out file transfers automatically without having to install drivers and programs. To users, the application method for USB file transfer cable offers plug and play capabilities as file transfers can be performed automatically between two computers without having to install drivers and programs in either computer.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an application method foruniversal serial bus (hereafter USB) file transfer cable and, inparticular, relates to one that, on a mass storage class platform,transfers files between computers without having to install programs.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Normally, data transmission between two computers can be achievedvia the application of floppy disks or storage devices (CD-ROM, MO orZip), direct cable connection cable (LL3/Ll5 file transfer cable), LAN(local area network) and USB file transfer cable, etc.

[0003] The disadvantage of using floppy discs is the small storage spaceand slow transmission rate. A floppy disc provides the memory capacityof 1.44 MB. When transferring files greater than 1.44 MB, one has totransfer files in multiple diskettes, often with the aid of multiplecompressions. When transferring large amount of data via storage devicessuch as CD-ROM, MO or ZIP, files in computer A have to be stored on astorage media (CD, MO or ZIP) by a storage device (CD-RW drive, MO orZIP) connected with computer A before being copied over to computer B bya storage device (CD-ROM drive, MO or ZIP) connected with computer B.This process of course is inefficient.

[0004] Using LL3/LL5 file transfer cable has the advantage of not havingto transfer through a storage media. However, the drawbacks arethree-fold: slow transmission speed (230 Kbps), occupation of parallelport and short effective transmission distance. Although it isconvenient to utilize network cable via LAN for data transmission, thereis limitation to the environment that it can operate. Data transmissionbetween computers requires the link-up of network card and networkcable. Unlike office users, home users are usually not equipped with LANenvironment, unless the family has more than three computers, wherein aLAN-connected area can then be set up. Nowadays, it is common forfamilies to own both notebook and desktop computer; and it would bedifficult if sizable data transfers between two computers are notcarried out via LAN. This problem can be overcome by prior artapplication of USB file transfer cable. The prior art application methodfor USB file transfer cable requires the installation of drivers in bothcomputers in order to facilitate data transfer. This would not pose muchproblem in domestic use, as it is not inconvenient for a user to installdrivers on both computers. When a visitor (sales personnel orapplication engineer) pays a visit to a customer and wishes to transferlarge amounts of data, both computers (visitor's and customer's) mustfirst be installed with drivers before utilizing prior art applicationmethod for USB file transfer cable. This often becomes troublesome forboth parties, thus its practicality being greatly discounted. Hence, theequipment vendors have a job cut out for them and that is to come upwith solutions for resolving this problem.

[0005] We first describe the procedure of installing drivers whenutilizing prior art application method for USB file transfer cable. MostUSB file transfer cables support NDIS environment. FIG. 1 illustrates ascenario, which begins with a USB file transfer cable being connectedwith the USB port in computer A (See step 30), followed by the Windows2000 operating system in computer A receiving a plug and play signal(See step 31).

[0006] If the operating system is not loaded with a USB file transfercable driver (See step 32), a query window will appear inquiring a userwhether to proceed with the installation of the driver following theinsertion of manufacturer's CD. Unless a driver has already beeninstalled, the user will install the driver before a USB device isestablished (See step 33).

[0007] Suppose a driver has already been installed, the USB device willbe detected by the operating system and no further installation will berequired (See step 38). Then upon inserting manufacturer's CD, a querywindow will appear inquiring whether an application program has beeninstalled (See Step 34). Unless an application program has already beeninstalled, the user will install the application program as required(See step 35). Suppose an application program has already beeninstalled, no further installation will be required (See step 39).Rebooting both computers following installations, either computer cannow access information on the new peripheral device (USB file transfercable) (See step 36) and enable the application programs for filetransfers (See step 37). It is noted that both computers have to beinstalled with a driver and an application program according to stepsshown in FIG. 1 before utilizing prior art application method for USBfile transfer cable. In other words, computer B wanting to transferfiles with the computer A has to undergo the same installationprocedures as shown in the flowchart. That means when a visitor wishesto transfer sizable amounts of data between his and customer's computer,he must always bring with him drivers and application programs providedby prior art USB file transfer cable manufacturer and carry out theinstallation of the driver and application program before utilizingprior art application method for USB file transfer cable.

[0008] Aiming to improve prior art USB file transfer cable as describedabove, the present invention discloses a novel USB file transfer cable,capable of supporting the Mass Storage Class standard that stores thedriver and application program within itself in such a way that the USBfile transfer cable is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such asa floppy disc drive, a hard disk drive or a CD-ROM drive. Hence, the USBfile transfer cable in the present invention is capable of carrying outfile transfers automatically without having to install drivers andprograms. To users, the application method for USB file transfer cablein the present invention offers plug and play capabilities as filetransfers can be performed automatically between two computers withouthaving to install drivers and programs in either computer.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The main objective of the present invention is to provide anapplication method for USB file transfer cable wherein file transferscan be performed automatically by self-enabling its built-in applicationprogram without having to install drivers and programs in eithercomputer.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide anapplication method for USB file transfer cable wherein, like the USBfile transfer cable, operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux,etc., support the Mass Storage Class standard. Thus, computers loadedwith any of these operating systems can automatically access systeminformation provided in the USB file transfer cable and take control ofthe operation of the peripheral device (i.e., USB file transfer cable)without having to install drivers and programs in either computer.

[0011] A further objective of the present invention is to provide anapplication method for USB file transfer cable wherein the USB filetransfer cable can be simulated as an auto-run storage device, such as afloppy disc drive, a hard disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc. Thus, filetransfer can be performed automatically by self-enabling its built-inapplication program without having to install drivers and programs ineither computer.

[0012] First, computer C equipped with the driver of the standard USBMass Storage Class can automatically access system information providedin the USB file transfer cable and take control of the operation of theperipheral device (i.e., USB file transfer cable) such that theoperating system loaded in computer C can self-install the driver of thestandard USB Mass Storage Class without having to install drivers andprograms in computer C.

[0013] Likewise, when the USB file transfer cable is connected to a USBport of computer D, computer D, which is equipped with the driver of thestandard USB Mass Storage Class, can automatically access systeminformation provided in the USB file transfer cable and take control ofthe operation of the peripheral device (i.e., USB file transfer cable)such that the operating system loaded in computer D can self-install thedriver of the standard USB Mass Storage Class without having to installdrivers and programs in computer D.

[0014] Since drivers have been installed in computer C and D, the USBfile transfer cable can be simulated as an auto-run storage device, suchas a floppy disc drive, a hard disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc. Filetransfers can thus be carried out automatically by self-enabling itsbuilt-in application program so that users do not have to installdrivers and programs in computer C and computer D. Therefore, theapplication method for USB file transfer cable in the present inventionoffers plug and play capabilities as file transfers can be performedautomatically between two computers without having to install driversand programs in either computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention aims to provide plug and play solutions forresolving problems of utilizing prior art application method for USBfile transfer cable.

[0016] Capable of supporting the Mass Storage Class standard, the USBfile transfer cable disclosed in the present invention stores the driverand application program within itself in such a way that the USB filetransfer cable is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such as afloppy disc drive, a hard disk drive or a CD-ROM drive. Like the USBfile transfer cable, operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux,etc., support the Mass Storage Class standard. Thus, computers loadedwith any of the operating systems are equipped with standard storagedriver in compliance with the USB Mass Storage Class and canautomatically access system information provided in the USB filetransfer cable and take control of the operation of the peripheraldevice (i.e., USB file transfer cable). Being simulated as an auto-runstorage device, such as a floppy disc drive, a hard disk drive or aCD-ROM drive, etc., the USB file transfer cable in the present inventionis capable of carrying out file transfers automatically without havingto install drivers and programs. To users, the application method forUSB file transfer cable in the present invention offers plug and playcapabilities as file transfers can be performed automatically betweentwo computers without having to install drivers and programs in eithercomputer.

[0017] Flowcharts are being provided in order to illustrate theprocedures in accordance with the present invention. Supporting the MassStorage Class standard, the USB file transfer cable in the presentinvention carries out file transfers between computer by utilizing itsbuilt-in application programs and the default drivers in the operatingsystem. If computer C (the master) as shown in FIG. 2 utilizes MicrosoftWindows 2000 operating system, Mass Storage Class is provided as acommon standard. When a USB file transfer cable in the present inventionis connected with a USB port of computer C (See step 41), the operatingsystem in computer C will automatically detect whether it is a MassStorage Class USB device (See step 42). Being a Mass Storage Class USBdevice, the USB file transfer cable in the present invention is able toutilize default USB drivers provided in Windows 2000 as drivers for itsUSB file transfer cable.

[0018] Users will be informed by the operating system of the existenceof a USB file transfer cable so that re-installation is not required andWindows 2000 can access information in the USB file transfer cable.Taking only seconds to complete, driver installation and programexecution are carried out automatically without further instructions.

[0019] When the USB file transfer cable device is connected withcomputer D (the remote), application program in USB file transfer cablewill be automatically executed, thereby facilitating file transfers (Seestep 45).

[0020] Similarly, when the USB file transfer cable device is connectedwith a USB port of computer D (the remote), the USB file transfer cablewill automatically install drivers in computer D (See steps 41→42→43).The above embodiment illustrates the installation procedure underWindows 2000 operating system between the computers C and D. Applicationof the present invention includes such operating systems as Windows, Macand Linux, etc. so long as these operating systems have Mass StorageClass as a common standard. Moreover, the present invention is notlimited to computers loaded with those operating systems listed above.Any electronic data storage apparatus loaded with any of the operatingsystems that support Mass Storage Class, can benefit from theapplication method disclosed in the present invention.

[0021] For those operating systems that do not support Mass StorageClass (e.g., Windows 98 operating system), extra steps are required tomanually install the driver. We now illustrate the installationprocedures in a scenario when neither of the operating systems,connected by the USB file transfer cable according to the presentinvention, supports Mass Storage Class. The installation procedures alsoapply when either of the operating systems does not support MasterStorage Class. The installation procedures are as follows. When an USBfile transfer cable connects with the USB port of computer C, themaster, (See step 41), the operating system will detect whether it is aMass Storage Class USB device (See step 42). Not having Mass StorageClass as a common standard, Windows 98 only detects a USB device and aplug & play signal is promptly displayed (See step 46). Installation ofUSB device drivers (see step 47) by a storage medium (such as a CD) isrequired in order to drive the USB file transfer cable as set forth inthe embodiment. Suppose a USB file transfer cable has been installed,the operating system will inform users and as such, no furtherinstallation will be required.

[0022] Similarly, when the USB file transfer cable device is connectedwith a USB port of computer D (the remote), the USB file transfer cablewill automatically install drivers in computer D (See steps41→42→46→47). Once the USB file transfer cable device is installedbetween computer C and D, application program in USB file transfer cablewill be automatically executed (See step 44), thereby facilitating filetransfers (See step 45).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the main inventiveness in the presentinvention is providing a controller 140, having a storage device 130therein, in USB file transfer cables such that suitable applicationprogram and firmware, both supporting Mass Storage Class, are beingprovided in the storage device 130. As such, the USB file transfer cablecan utilize the default drivers in the operating system. Since the USBfile transfer cable is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such asa floppy disc drive, a hard disk drive or a CD-ROM drive, havingbuilt-in auto-run file like auto.run, the USB file transfer cable canautomatically execute application programs. That means users can executeapplication programs and carry out file transfers without bothering withinstallation procedures. FIG. 3 is the functional block diagram for aUSB file transfer cable controller system, wherein computer C and D areconnected with a controller 140 via cable 110 and 220, respectively. Thecontroller 140 comprises a microprocessor 120 and a storage device 130.Comprising an ALU (arithmetic logical unit), a device controller, etc.(not shown), the microprocessor 120 reads and accesses information beingtransferred via cable 110/220. Being a memory for temporarily storingapplication program and firmware, the storage device 130 can be one ofthe four types of memory (flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM and ROM [MASKROM]), or any two of those four types of memory. It can be thecombination of a flash memory, an EEPROM and ROM or a flash memory, anEPROM and a ROM. Different methods are used to program different typesof memory. Software is normally used to control flash memory whileburning is used to program EPROM or EEPROM. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, application program and firmware are built-ins inthe memory as mentioned above. Therefore, file transfers between twocomputers, being linked according to the present invention, are notdifferent from those between two computers in a LAN environment. Byeliminating manual installation procedures associated with prior artapplication method; the present invention offers the benefit ofutilizing USB file transfer cables as long as operating systems involvedsupport Mass Storage Class. Taking only seconds to complete, driverinstallation and program execution in the present invention are carriedout automatically without manual installation procedures.

[0024] Since USB file transfer cable offers such advantages ascompatibility, high speed, convenience and unlimited capacity, allcurrent computer systems support USB. USB 2.0 standard currentlyavailable offers 480 Mbps (bit per sec), thus suitable for transferringsizable amount of information. As a matter of fact, USB has become themost common interface among modern electronic storage devices. Beingsimulated as an auto-run storage device (floppy disc drive, hard discdrive and CD-ROM drive etc.), the USB file transfer cable in the presentinvention enables files transfers to be carried out automatically byself-enabling its built-in application program without having to installdrivers and programs in either computer. To users, the applicationmethod for USB file transfer cable in the present invention offers plugand play capabilities as file transfers can be performed automaticallybetween two computers without having to install drivers and programs ineither computer. In the wake of the present invention, notebooks can beregarded as a removable disk with immense storage capacity.

[0025] The above embodiments are intended for describing the presentinvention without limiting the scope that the present invention may beapplied. Modifications made in accordance with the disclosures of thepresent invention without departing from the spirits of the presentinvention are covered by the equivalents of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a flowchart for the installation of prior art USB filetransfer cable device between computer A and computer B.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a flowchart for the installation of USB file transfercable device between computer C and computer D according to the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a flowchart for USB file transfer cable controllersystem according to the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An application method for USB file transfer cablebeing applied between a first and a second operating systems, bothsupporting Mass Storage Class standard while the USB file transfer cablealso supporting Mass Storage Class standard, comprising the steps of: a.the first and the second operating system automatically set upinformation for USB file transfer cable device by using pre-loadeddrivers; b. an application program provided in the USB file transfercable is automatically executed in the first and the second operatingsystem to set up information for the USB file transfer cable; c. filetransfers are being carried out.
 2. The application method for USB filetransfer cable of claim 1, wherein the application program in step b isa storage device provided in the USB file transfer cable.
 3. Theapplication method for USB file transfer cable of claim 2, wherein thestorage device is one choosing from the group consisting a flash memory,an EPROM, an EEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 4. The application method for USBfile transfer cable of claim 2, wherein the storage device is thecombination of any two choosing from the group consisting a flashmemory, an EPROM and a MASK ROM.
 5. The application method for USB filetransfer cable of claim 2, wherein the storage device is the combinationof any two choosing from the group consisting of a flash memory, anEEPROM and an MASK ROM.
 6. The application method for USB file transfercable of claim 2, wherein the storage device is the combination of aflash memory, an EPROM and a MASK ROM.
 7. The application method for USBfile transfer cable of claim 2, wherein the storage device is thecombination of a flash memory, an EEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 8. Anapplication method for USB file transfer cable being applied between thefirst and the second operating system, neither supporting Mass StorageClass standard while the USB file transfer cable supporting Mass StorageClass standard, comprising the steps of: a. an application program isexecuted in the first and the second operating system, respectively, toset up information for the USB file transfer cable; b. an applicationprogram being provided in the USB file transfer cable is automaticallyexecuted in the first and the second operating system; c. file transfersare being carried out.
 9. The application method for USB file transfercable of claim 8, wherein the application program in step b is a storagedevice provided in the USB file transfer cable.
 10. The applicationmethod for USB file transfer cable of claim 9, wherein the storagedevice is one choosing from the group consisting a flash memory, anEPROM, an EEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 11. The application method for USB filetransfer cable of claim 9, wherein the storage device is combination ofany two choosing from the group consisting a flash memory, an EPROM, anEEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 12. The application method for USB file transfercable of claim 9, wherein the storage device is the combination of aflash memory, an EPROM and a MASK ROM.
 13. The application method forUSB file transfer cable of claim 9, wherein the storage device is thecombination of a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a MASK ROM.
 14. Anapplication method for USB file transfer cable, being applied betweenthe first and the second operating system, the first operating systemnot supporting Mass Storage Class standard while the second operatingsystem and the USB file transfer cable supporting Mass Storage Classstandard, comprising the steps of: a. to set up information for the USBfile transfer cable, an application program is executed in the firstoperating system and an application program provided in the USB filetransfer cable is automatically executed in the second operating system;b. an application program being provided in the USB file transfer cableis automatically executed in the first and the second operating system;c. file transfers are being carried out.
 15. The application method forUSB file transfer cable of claim 14, wherein step b is a storage deviceprovided in the USB file transfer cable.
 16. The application method forUSB file transfer cable of claim 15, wherein the storage device is onechoosing from the group consisting a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROMand a MASK ROM.
 17. The application method for USB file transfer cableof claim 15, wherein the storage device is the combination of any twochoosing from the group consisting a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROMand a MASK ROM.
 18. The application method for USB file transfer cableof claim 15, wherein the storage device is the combination of a flashmemory, an EPROM and a MASK ROM.
 19. The application method for USB filetransfer cable of claim 15, wherein the storage device is thecombination of a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a MASK ROM.
 20. An USBfile transfer cable capable of supporting a Mass Storage Class standard,comprising: a controller that includes a processor and a storage device,the storage device providing a built-in application program for the USBfile transfer cable; and two USB devices, each being connected with thecontroller and one of two computers via a cable.
 21. The applicationmethod for USB file transfer cable of claim 20, wherein the storagedevice is one choosing from the group consisting a flash memory, anEPROM, an EEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 22. The application method for USB filetransfer cable of claim 20, wherein the storage device is thecombination of any two choosing from the group consisting a flashmemory, an EPROM, an EEPROM and a MASK ROM.
 23. The application methodfor USB file transfer cable of claim 20, wherein the storage device isthe combination of a flash memory, an EEPROM, and a MASK ROM.
 24. Theapplication method for USB file transfer cable of claim 20, wherein thestorage device is the combination of a flash memory, an EEPROM, and onMASK ROM.
 25. A USB file transfer cable having the characteristic: theUSB file transfer cable being simulated as an auto-run storage devicesuch that file transfers can be carried out by automatically executingbuilt-in application programs without having to install applicationprograms.